Single-agent versus combination regimens containing propofol: a retrospective cohort study of recovery metrics and complication rates in a hospital-based endoscopy suite

Background

Anesthesiologists are often tasked with overseeing sedation in non-surgical settings. We aim to determine whether adding adjuvant sedatives to propofol affects the recovery times and complication rates after endoscopy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥18) who received propofol while undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and/or colonoscopy (COL) at a large academic institution over a four-year period. Patients receiving propofol alone were compared against patients receiving propofol in combination with midazolam, fentanyl, ketamine, or dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was PACU length of stay, adjusted for age, sex, and ASA Score. Secondary outcomes included incidence of PACU postoperative nausea and vomiting, hypoxemia (SpO₂ < 90%), bradycardia (HR < 60 bpm), and escalation of care (hospital admission), reported in adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Across the study period, 28,532 cases were included. Colonoscopies performed under propofol+fentanyl sedation were associated with significantly longer PACU LOS compared to propofol alone. Adjusted mean PACU LOS was significantly longer in patients receiving adjuvant fentanyl, compared to propofol alone (p < 0.01) and propofol + dexmedetomidine (p < 0.01). Patients receiving propofol alone exhibited a 9.4% incidence of bradycardia, 16.0% hypoxia, 0.89% PONV, and 0.40% hospitalization. Adjuvant fentanyl use was associated with higher odds of hypoxia across all procedure types (p < 0.05). Adjuvant dexmedetomidine was associated with higher rates of bradycardia, but lower rates of hypoxia, PONV, and hospitalization (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

With the exception of fentanyl, combining propofol with other sedatives was not associated with longer recovery times. The incidence of complications differed significantly with the use of adjuvant fentanyl or dexmedetomidine.